Latest figures show that in the week ending 29th January, almost 50 per cent of deaths in English care homes were due to Covid-19.
The latest numbers from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show 1,790 people died from Covid-19, 49 per cent of the total deaths in care homes that week.
Head of policy at Alzheimer’s Society, Gavin Terry is urging the government to urgently prioritise care home staff vaccinations.
‘We are deeply saddened to see that today’s chilling ONS results reveal almost half of all deaths in care homes are now due to coronavirus, the highest rate since the pandemic began.
‘Our hearts go out to families up and down the country who are now mourning their loved ones. We cannot allow this to continue.
‘With a total of over 25,000 Covid-19 deaths now in care homes, staff vaccinations must be urgently prioritised along with the rapid rollout of second jabs.
‘But also, the government must swiftly provide a concrete plan for safe meaningful visits to ensure people with dementia get vital contact with family carers.
‘Twelve more weeks of waiting for will be tragically far too late for some.
‘Care homes need the clarity over whether anything else is needed, and if so, what, alongside the first jab, protective equipment and regular testing.
‘We have to consider mental as well as physical health to prevent yet more catastrophic and unacceptable loss of life.’
